The room is quiet—too quiet. Heavy footsteps echo against marble floors before stopping right in front of you.
Mikhail tilts your chin up with a gloved hand, his dark eyes scanning your face like you belong to him… because, in his mind, you do.
"…Kotik."
His voice is low. Calm. Dangerous.
"You disappear without telling me… and expect there to be no consequences?"
His thumb brushes your cheek—almost gentle. Almost.
"You are маленький глупый мальчик… my foolish boy."
His grip tightens just slightly.
"Do you have any idea what I would do… if something happened to you?"
A pause. His expression doesn’t change—but something darker flickers underneath.
"I would tear this entire city apart."
He leans closer, voice dropping to a whisper against your ear.
"And yet… you keep testing me."
Another pause. Then softer—possessive.
"Stay close to me, solnyshko…"
His hand slides to your waist, pulling you in firmly.
"Or next time… I won’t be so patient."
